Kate Mitchell fell pregnant with her first child just six months after meeting her husband in a rather unique way, while playing lawn bowls! They now have three children, and their third, their little boy Darcy, changed everything. As far as they could tell, he was a happy and healthy toddler, when at 16 months old he suddenly had a seizure on their sheep farm on the south coast of WA and nearly died. Kate had to give her own baby CPR as she desperately phone for help, with the phone signal dropping in and out. Darcy was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy, and it's been one hell of a journey. In our chat, Kate opens up about why she created The Darcy effect, which provides hospital care packs for rural and remote families and raises awareness of vital medical and paediatric services, plus you'll also hear the heartbreaking reason they decided to their farm last year. This is her story. Whether you're starting your career, already established in agriculture, or looking for a change, Nutrien Ag Solutions may be a great place for you to work - wherever you’re based in rural or regional Australia. To learn more about career opportunities at Nutrien, head to the link in today’s show notes https://www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/careers https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Some of us know Kaitie Nash from Instagram, she proudly calls herself 'the first time farmer', and is part of a growing number of farmfluencer mums online, sharing real, relatable and often hilarious content about life on the land. But farm life hasn't always been a laughing matter for Kaitie. She moved to her husband's family property in the middle of a drought, while still adjusting to motherhood with two very young kids. Her mental health plummeted and in our chat she opens up about her very personal journey with that. Kaitie has been a lot of things, even a flight attendant! Farmer was never part of the plan. Today, you'll hear all about the ups and the downs, plus what happened when she got bitten by a snake when she was home alone with the kids. This is her story. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 A big thanks to our Autumn season sponsor Nutrien Ag Solutions who proudly support the communities, families, local clubs and organisations which are the backbone of rural and regional Australia. In 2023 alone Nutrien invested more than $2.8m in rural and regional communities, with over half of that invested locally through their branches and directly into communities supporting agriculture. Check out Nutrien’s Community Impact Report HERE https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

In 2016, Lisa Booth designed and built an eco-friendly home on a tight budget, on a small block of land. A couple of years ago, after her social media exploded, she quit her job to help other families build the same dream through her business - Booken Blend. Lisa's life looks picture perfect on Instagram, but she is an incredibly down to earth and authentic woman with rural roots that have both broken her as well as pushed her to rebuild after rock bottom. Lisa was born on a dairy farm, grew up on the land, married very young after a whirlwind romance, and had two young kids when the stress of farm life in the midst of a drought led to cracks in her marriage. She eventually left her husband, and started over. It was incredible tough, but her story has a very happy ending. In this chat, Lisa also opens up publicly for the first time about her surprising addiction that helped her cope through her toughest times on the land. Hint- it's legal, and it's not alcohol. This is her story. *Please note this episode contains some course language This episode has been brought to you by our Autumn season podcast sponsor Nutrien Ag Solutions. Nutrien focuses its investment and support on our rural and regional communities which are the backbone of ag. We are so excited to share more about Nutrien including stories from the team over the next 10 weeks - so stay tuned! You can follow Nutrien on social media HERE, or head to their website www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au to discover the hundreds of branches they have peppered across regional and rural Australia. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Laura Robson is a mum of two and is originally from the UK, but found herself marrying a farmer and moving to a remote cattle station near Boulia, Queensland. Laura’s journey on the land has been full of twists and turns, and the RFDS (Queensland Section) have been a constant support to her and her family in times of need. Given how isolated they are, they've relied on access to an RFDS medical chest, and Laura was extremely lucky to survive a traumatic car accident in the bush, and was flown to hospital by the Flying Doctor. The RFDS’s primary healthcare clinic has also been critical for Laura during her two pregnancies, when her only other option was to drive four hours to access the prenatal support she needed. More recently, Laura and her family navigated a harrowing time when her husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Laura's story is raw, honest, and a testament to the incredible work of the RFDS. This is Laura Robson’s story. For more information on the RFDS and all the services they offer, CLICK HERE https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kate McKittrick is based in Mudgee, NSW, and has three adult children (including twins). As her kids were growing up, her focus was on supporting them through boarding school, until one day it was Kate who needed all the support. After taking some very common over the counter medicine to help with the cold she thought she had, she had a severe allergic reaction. The outcome was catastrophic. A rare immune response caused her skin to blister and peel, and she spent 3 weeks in the burns ward, but unbelievably, the worst was yet to come. Weeks after leaving hospital, Kate lost her right eye, and her sight in the other is slowly deteriorating. Despite facing a potential future in the dark, Kate's story is still one full of hope and light. This is her story. The RFDS (Queensland Section) support mental health in regional and rural Australia through a range of FREE mental health resources - available to individuals and families who are struggling with their mental health, going through challenging times or just needing some everyday mindfulness. Check out these free resources HERE https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Jo Mahony who has worked for the RFDS over 20 years as a Nurse Manager at their Charleville Base, one of 23 national Flying Doctor bases around the country. Jo is also a rural mum, and her story provides a special insight into the work that RFDS nurses, doctors and clinicians do that directly impacts so many of rural families. Countless rural women and their families utilise their vital aeromedical and primary healthcare services as they navigate life on the land. Today, Jo gets to do something a bit unique. She gets to tell her own story, and share her life working across remote Australia, while also opening up about how she’s balanced life as a wife and mum to her three daughters. This is her story. Thank you to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) who are our Summer season sponsor. It’s regional, rural and remote nurses just like Jo who support countless families through the RFDS’s vital aeromedical and primary healthcare services every year. For more inspiring stories, check out the Flying Doctor podcast - it’s a wonderful listen . https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Bronte Appleton is a country GP who lives in Gunnedah in rural NSW. She's a mum of two, and a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed when her second baby was just 6 months old, and heartbreakingly she was still breastfeeding when she made the decision to have a double mastectomy in a bid to save her life. Bronte also suffered from intense antenatal depression and experienced extreme loneliness after moving to Gunnedah. She joined a mothers' group, but found the balance between being people's friend and doctor, incredibly hard. I think you'll love this raw and honest conversation. This is her story. Grab your RFDS Rescue Swag here - a premium first aid kit that has everything you need to keep you and your family safe on your property. For a limited time apply the code MOTHERLAND to receive 15% off. Get 15% off all your parenting and baby essentials at The Memo when you spend $100 or more. Use code MOTHERLAND at checkout to redeem. This offer is valid until 27 March 2024. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Valid for new customers only. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kate Pearce lives on a sheep farm in the Southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia with her husband and 5 year old twins. Her motherhood journey takes the saying 'it takes a village' to a whole new level. It took Kate three years and 9 embryo transfers to have her twins, who were born at 28 weeks, weighing just 1 kilo each. What followed was a three month stay in hospital before she finally brought her babies home to the farm. Then, just as she was adjusting to life with newborns, Kate's cousin and best friend moved in... and what happened next can only be described as a bit of a circus! This is her story. Everyday, the RFDS holds more than 68 clinics across rural Australia. From immunisations, health check-ups, referrals or management of chronic conditions, RFDS primary health services mean there is regular medical assistance when needed for people living and working remote Australia. Head to the Flying Doctor HERE to find an RFDS Primary Healthcare Clinic near you. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Erin Mackley left the city for an adventure on a remote cattle station where she met her future husband. They eventually moved to rural Victoria and were excited to start a family. But at just 31 years of age, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer, and just when she thought she beat it, two years later it has spread to her spine. Not only was Erin in the fight of her life, but she was also desperately trying to preserve her fertility. Until now, Erin has never shared her story publicly, and what she's been through is unimaginable. After being told she couldn't carry children of her own, she explored the surrogacy route which ended in heartbreak. Then, when almost all hope was lost... three special children came into her life; siblings that Erin and her husband adopted three years ago. This is her story. From the Australian made, water resistant Premium Rescue Swag which will keep your family prepared and safe, to the cutest dog coats which will see your fur babies look the part - the RFDS have a gift for everyone. Check-out the range HERE and apply code MOTHERLAND for 15% off all Rescue Swag First Aid Kits and the extended RFDS merchandise range for a limited time. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

There aren't many of us who haven't heard the name Fiona Simson. Fiona Simson became the first female President of the National Farmer's Federation, and recently stepped down after an incredible 7 years at the helm. She's had an amazing career to date; I've read the articles, I've met her, and I've watched her passionately advocate for the industry. But on a personal level, it's rare we hear more about her life. Fiona is also a mum, and a grandma, a journey that began when she was living in the city, and a friend set her up with a country boy. We chat life, love, business and motherhood, including how times have changed, and why some rural mums have lost their villages. The RFDS (Queensland Section) is giving away an incredible prize pack worth over $700 that includes an RFDS Premium Rescue Swag, RFDS Australian Merino Wool Blanket, RFDS cap and RFDS mugs. To enter, click THIS LINK and tell us why you love the RFDS. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Emma Groat is a mum of three and lives on a beef property north of Roma in Queensland. After a reasonably straight forward IVF journey with her first child, it took an unbelievable 10 rounds to conceive their second, before something very unexpected happened with their third. In 2019, Emma's youngest Max had a horrifying accident, walking into a fire pit that from the night before, suffering extensive fourth degree burns on his feet that required multiple surgeries and a 6 week stint in hospital. It all happened as Emma and her husband were navigating a drought. This is her story. Don’t forget to grab your RFDS Rescue Swag - a premium first aid kit that has everything you need to keep you and your family safe on your property. For a limited time apply the code MOTHERLAND to receive 15% off. All proceeds from swag sales go back into supporting the Flying Doctor’s vital services. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Shanna Whan is the rural woman, founder, CEO, and face behind Sober in the Country, a nationally respected grassroots not-for-profit, shifting the entire conversation around booze in the bush. Shan almost lost her life to trauma-linked alcohol addiction a decade ago and then chose to use her second chance to advocate for other rural and remote people just like her. In our very candid chat, we cover everything from Shan's childhood in Zimbabwe, her struggle with addiction, Sober in the Country's impact, and the toxic 'mummy wine culture'. Motherhood is also something we touch on, and it's very difficult for Shan to talk about. She's always wanted to become a mum - but never got the chance. A warning: today's episode touches on mental health, suicide, trauma, and sexual assault. Lifeline 13 11 14 Sober in the Country: www.soberinthecountry.org Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 Family Member Help: 1300 660 068 The RFDS Queensland Division is increasing access to mental health services in regional and rural Australia through the development and distribution of their new book ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing on the Land’. You can now access this FREE resource here. Or register to be sent a copy of the book by emailing outback@rfdsqld.com.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

In 1989, Anna Brown visited a remote property in the Northern Territory which led her on an adventure that changed her life. She went on to nanny at Newcastle Waters Station, owned by the Packer family at the time...It's there she met her future husband Geoff. Years later, their fairytale turned into heartbreak. Anna was seven months’ pregnant with their third child when Geoff died suddenly at age 32. Unbelievably, just a couple of years later, Anna also lost her brother in an accident. Anna and her children eventually made the move to Bathurst, where she picked up the pieces, and established her recruitment business, Anna Brown Recruitment. Anna is very bravely sharing her story with Motherland, including how she survived the unimaginable, and the heartbreak of leaving the station and starting a new chapter. This is her story. Summer Season sponsor: the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section). The RFDS runs Mental Health and Wellbeing Services across Australia which helps regional, rural and remote people through tough times. To find a service near you, or to access any of their free online resources, please head to the RFDS website HERE Spinifex Recruiting specialises in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors with a team that boasts over 20+ years of experience, who can assist in recruiting farmhands through to General Managers. Search current roles or learn more at spinifexrecruiting.com.au or follow @spinifexrecruiting on socials. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Toni Tapp Coutts grew up on a cattle station in the Northern Territory as the eldest of 10 children. She's an author who wrote a bestselling memoir about her childhood on the legendary Killarney cattle station. Her stepfather was cattle king Bill Tapp, and for the first few years of family life on the property there was no electricity and Toni and her siblings slept under the stars in swags. She was just five. Toni went on to raise her own kids in the gulf country, 600km from town. She's had a varied career, from station life, to campdrafting, running a clothing boutique and now, real estate. Toni has been with her husband for nearly half a century! It's been quite a ride. This is her story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

This is the chat that got Olympia Yarger all fired up! Olympia is the CEO of Goterra, a waste management company that manages food waste with robotic maggot farms. She's a farmer who calls herself the 'maggot lady', and boy is she kicking goals after being named the ACT's Australian of the Year 2023. Olympia's backstory is fascinating. After losing her first child in a tragic accident on her farm, she moved to the US to escape, but ended up staying there for 14 years after she married a marine. Her husband did six combat tours in 12 years, and being a military wife was challenging for Olympia to say the least. Olympia is unapologetically herself, and we had a fascinating conversation where she opened up about things she doesn't often talk about publicly, so if you've listened to Olympia before, and if you've seen her recent media interviews, those chats are nothing like this one. This is her story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Edwina Bartholemew has been a journalist for more than 20 years and I'm sure you're all familiar with her from Sunrise. What you might not know though is Edwina's growing connection to the country. Her and her husband Neil bought a small farm in the Capertee valley of NSW which they set up as a boutique accommodation business. Neil, who has a background in tech, became an accidental farming after moving there for a whole year to set it all up. When covid hit, Edwina, Neil, and their little girl Molly bunkered down there for months. Since then, Edwina has welcomed another child, and it was a thrill hear more about her life behind the TV screens. You'll hear how motherhood has given her a higher purpose, why her and her husband sleep in separate beds, and why she's selling her Sydney home, to invest in a country community! This is her story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Emma Hawkins is a mum of three, a business owner, and a digital influencer who lives on a farm just outside of Geelong. As a born and bred country girl, the land has become her quiet sanctuary away from the thundering roar of footy crowds and the prying eyes of the media. She had to get used to all that quickly after marrying her high school sweetheart, AFL star Tom Hawkins. I felt like Emma and I could have talked forever, so strap yourselves in because we cover a lot and we laugh a lot too! You'll hear all about her love story with the 'Tomahawk', through to her motherhood journey, and the isolation she felt during covid when Tom was whisked away to a quarantine training hub for two months. Plus- the hilarious reason why Emma refuses to ever own sheep again! This is her story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Sophie Hansen is a mum of two teens, and she's a food writer living on a farm near Orange in New South Wales. She met her husband through an R.M.Williams magazine (that's a story!) and life on the land is not what she had planned. Sophie grew up in the city and after working in food magazines, had her own Eat Pray Love experience when she packed up and moved to a rural community in Italy for a few years which inspired her love of slow and seasonal food. Fast forward to today, and she's created a big brand (and lots of books) which all started with a simple blog from the farm. Soph's story is a fitting way to wrap up a big 2023 for Motherland....we also talked about how to take the pressure off ourselves and survive the chaos of Christmas! This is her story. ProviCo Rural are leaders in Animal Nutrition and 100% proudly Australian owned. Founded by farmers in 2003, ProviCo understands the unique challenges our farmers face. ProviCo Rural is stocked in over 500 stores nationally, to ensure that farmers have access to the highest quality animal nutritional products and support for their successful farming operations. Visit their website at www.provicorural.com.au or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram: @provicorural. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Leila McDougall finished school, she left the land and headed to the big smoke to study fashion design. But it wasn't long before the country came calling again, and she settled down in rural Victoria with her husband. Since then, Leila has had two children; she's navigated mental health challenges most of her life- her parents have also struggled. Leila had just had her first child, when her mum attempted to take her own life. Leila is a fierce mental health advocate for rural Australia, so much so that she's made a movie to shine a light on mental health on the land. "Just a Farmer" may be a fictional movie, but with Leila as the lead character, it brings with it some very real and powerful messages. This is her story. Give the gift of craft this Christmas with R.M.Williams. Shop their festive gift guide full of thoughtful, handcrafted and Australian made gifts that promise a lifetime of adventures. Explore the full collection now at rmwilliams.com.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Emma Jackson has lived in the Cape York Peninsula for more than 20 years. She's originally from North Manchester, and the transition to life in rural Australia was a bit of a shock, not to mention the fact that yes, a snake tried to eat her son one night... but there is much more to her story! Emma has four kids, and is in the thick of navigating the teen years. Mental health has been a huge focus for her family, especially after her nephew took his own life shortly after finishing year 12. That led Emma to start the Conquer the Corrugations charity walk. In 2021, Emma saved someone's life, which is why she was named the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero. We cover a lot in our chat. This is Emma's story. Give the gift of craft this Christmas with R.M.Williams. Shop their festive gift guide full of thoughtful, handcrafted and Australian made gifts that promise a lifetime of adventures. Explore the full collection now at rmwilliams.com.au. The King’s School is one of Australia’s largest boarding communities and has welcomed boys from Regional Australia for nearly two hundred years.Applications are now open for King’s 2025 Scholarships and Bursaries for Years 7 to 11. Visit www.kings.edu.au https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia